James H. Taylor (J.H.), 94, of Tulsa, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2019. He was born February 10, 1925 in Chickasha, OK. J.H. married Ima Lee Williams on November 3, 1945 in Guthrie, OK. The Taylors were married for almost 68 years until she preceded him in death in July of 2013. They were known to everyone as Memom and Dad-dad, a role they cherished.
J.H. served in the Army Air Corps as a Flight Engineer during World War 2. He was stationed in Saipan, Japan and participated in several very important missions. J.H. was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters for many years and was a past President of the Association in 1999. He enjoyed many poker nights and the Jesters were always an important part of his life and he loved them all until the end. The Jesters are purely for MIRTH and he embraced this every time they met for cards and fellowship.
J.H. was also a 32nd degree Mason, an avid poker player, an excellent cook, and loved to grocery shop. The family joke was seeing whatever weird products he would bring home from his almost daily visits to Aldi's.
Dad-dad and Memom played bridge for over 40 years on Saturday nights with Phil and Virginia St. Pierre. Their daughter, Suzanne St. Pierre, continues to be a cherished member of the family. We are sure the Taylors and St. Pierres are having a sprited game of cards now that they are united in Heaven.
Dad-dad is survived by 2 granddaughters, Jennifer Reins and Jamye Ryan, and great-granddaughter Grace Taylor Wells. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Darlene Taylor Reins, who passed away from cancer in December of 1989, a sister, Mildred K. Greene, and other relatives and friends.
After Darlene's death, Jennifer and Jamye went to live with Memom and Dad-dad, who made sure they were loved and cared for. Dad-dad was at every pom-pom competition and proudly escorted both girls at their Sweetheart and Tulsa Opera Debutante Balls.
He was a favorite at Dad's Day and football games for both granddaughters as they attended college. Dad-dad was a father figure to many of Jennifer and Jamye's friends, and was loved by all he met.
After Memom's death, J.H. moved to Burgundy Place and enjoyed 3 years living there. They called him "The Ambassador" because they would use his apartment to show future residents and he told everyone how much he loved Burgundy Place.
During the last few years of his life, he really enjoyed seeing Gracie and would always comment on how proud he was of her reading and volleyball skills. He also enjoyed visits from Jennifer's dog, Marley. Additionally, Jennifer's 2 horses, Spirit and Princess, received coaching from Dad-dad before their horse shows.
Dad-dad will be missed greatly by his granddaughters and their friends, as well as the MANY healthcare workers that helped him during these last few months. He was a blessing every day and we are all lucky to have had him for as long as we did.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 - 10:00 A.M. at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. Visitation will be on Monday March 11th, 5-7 P.M. at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st St., Tulsa, OK.
Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Rescue Foundation Tulsa, as he was a life-long dog lover. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com < http://www.moorefuneral.com >